Unveiling the packages near the bauxite-rich Niyamgiri hill, Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh said Rs 200 crore would be allocated for providing houses under Indira Awas Yojana to the vulnerable tribals living in the area.

The package under the IAY would benefit 2,100 families belonging to Dangaria Kandh and other vulnerable tribal groups in the Niyamgiri area near here, he said adding it was part of the government's efforts to uplift the tribals.

Similarly, the Centre would set up a non-timber forest produce centre at Lanjigarh within six months to help the primary timber collectors get better price and save them from being exploited by the middlemen, the minister said.

As part of the drive to strengthen road links in backward areas, the Centre would provide road connectivity to villages having over 250 families in Kalahandi district at an expenditure of Rs 100 crore under Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Ramesh said.

Describing tribal-centric development as a key to contain Maoist menace, he said concerted efforts must be made to bring to the mainstream the red rebels who spread their influence in the name of welfare of tribals.

Asking all mainstream political parties to join hands to check Naxal menace, he said unless there was serious effort by political parties, Maoists would be stronger day by day.